About Synthetic Stucco

Synthetic stucco is a generic term and can mean different things. It could refer to an EIFS System (see systems) or only a synthetic texture coat that has been applied over conventional stucco.

As mentioned in systems, EIFS is extremely rare in Arizona residential construction. Although synthetic finish coats are very popular on custom homes.

Synthetic finish coats are often sold as an upgrade and home owners are left with the impression that it will not crack. That the color will last nearly forever. This is NOT true! Like other surfaces synthetic stucco requires painting as maintenance and does eventually crack.

Builders and stucco companies like them because they postpone cracking a couple of years until after the warranty period is up.

Synthetic finish coats are basically thick paint with sand (crushed marble). So they do not hold up any better than paint. Just like paint there are different types of resins; acrylic, vinyl, elastomeric.

Elastomeric formulas are the most flexible. Think elastic that is stretchy. However elastomeric is notorious for blistering and bubbling, especially on block construction. See the blistering stucco page.

Initially the synthetic coating is flexible thus preventing the cracks from coming through. As time passes the coating becomes dry and brittle and underlying cracks come through.

Many stucco contractors will sugest a synthetic finish coat over excessively cracked stucco as a cure all. This step alone is a huge mistake. Although it may take 2+ years the cracks will likely return and blistering is likely especially on CMU (block). Many home owner's after spending thousands of dollars have found themselves worse off than they started.

The blistering stucco page shows what can happen with elastomeric synthetic stucco.

If you are having problems or have questions consult T.G.A. Painting. Our owner has overseen hundreds of synthetic stucco applications as a licensed stucco plastering contractor.